We've talked to you guys about Ryder Lawson before, but maybe we should introduce him again. And instead of reminding you that he won New Gen Skater of the Year last February, or telling you his favorite ice cream flavor (he looks like he might be a Mint Chip kind of kid) — we're just going to make you watch this new edit. It should do the trick!
When Jay Adams was a kid tearing around Dogtown, he and his friends were either skating or surfing —which is something you don't see as much these days. Case in point: Curren Caples' friends who give him a hard time when he trades wood and trucks for fiberglass and fins. They may be (quite) a few generations of iPhones apart but Jay Adams and Curren Caples share the same belief system on the could-be symbitoic relationship between the two sports. But enough with all these words, watch Curren and Jay shred Arto Saari's back yard pool and swap skate/surf wisdom on WhatYouth.com.
Next Up is a skateboarding-based foundation that keeps underprivileged kids off drugs and out of gangs, so naturally it's a program that we can get behind! We invited founder, Vina, and the Next Up kids to the Hurley campus last week and showed them around. And, duh, their favorite part was the skatepark. For more photos from the day check out Next Up's write up. Thanks for hanging out, come see us again soon and teach us some stuff in that skatepark!
On Saturday, July 7, Hurley riders Jesse Billauer, Bob Burnquist, and Jay Adams helped out at Life Rolls On’s They Will Skate Again Shoe City Open at the Venice Skate Park. The program empowers paraplegics, quadriplegics and amputees to experience the thrill and mobility of skating. Fifty-four skaters from throughout the country as well as Canada, Germany and Australia, were treated to an adaptive skate clinic, pro skate exhibition, interactive vendor village and adaptive skate competition, which featured a $10,000 purse and Hurley prize packages. Founded by Jesse Billauer, Life Rolls On is a non-profit organization and the official charity of the Nike US Open of Surfing, that Hurley has made a point of supporting and maintaining a relationship with over the years.
Two thousand eleven was a breakout year for aussie, Jack Fardell and 2012 is proving to be just as exciting, Jack’s on the cover of the latest “Skateboarder’s journal”. Go pick up a copy and read the 14-page feature on Jack at your local newsstand.
Asher Bradshaw is 8-years-old and when he skates, old men forget they're in the presence of young children and let an expletive or two slip. He's just that good. Watch as Asher does a 540 Melon at Venice Skatepark to the delight of the crowd. We believe one bystander puts it best when they say, "I'm going to quit skating now."
Where do we begin with Bob Burnquist's run at this year's X Games? Do we start by telling you about the ramp he had to skate? Hint: he had to take an elevator to get to the top. Or the lower back injury that made him question if he would even be able to skate? Or how despite being injured he pushed through to win gold on the Mega Ramp? Or do we just sum it up by saying Bob's the man? Well, Bob is the man and here's the video to prove it.
It's nice to see Keegan Palmer keeping in line with the latest grom takeover trend. Check out this video where Keegan lands a self-described "proper Mctwist 540".
Some people just have ice in their veins. One of those people being our own Jon Cos. When the Element Make It Count International Skate Contest came to Toronto, Canada, Jon proved what he’s made of and won the event. He now moves on to the finals In California where he’ll face the rest of the winners. Nice job Jon!
This Thursday kicks off the 2012 X Games. Bob Burnquist is going for his 9th Gold medal and his 5th Big Air Gold, while Curren Caples looks confident to win his first Gold. Curren was in the finals two years ago, and last year got hurt two minutes he was able to compete. This year he will once again be the youngest competitor in the park. You can watch him live on ESPN at 2pm on Saturday. Bob and Lincoln Ueda will be on ESPN starting at 6:45pm on Friday, with the Big Air Final on Saturday at 7:15pm, also on ESPN.
